“Pain is a microphone,” Levi Lusko writes in his book Through The Eyes of Lion, “And the more it hurt, the louder you get.” Wow, is that such a powerful — and true — statement. Are you currently in pain? Physical or emotional? I am. And recently, more and more, I’ve been realizing how true it is that pain is a microphone. When we hurt, we are able to touch other’s hearts and lives in ways we never could before. Our faith and hope and message becomes even more powerful. We become even more powerful the more we are forced to rely on God. People take us seriously because we’re no longer just dreamers. No one can accuse us of naivety when our suffering is so obvious. I could fill a whole post with the reasons your pain is a microphone. Which I did last week.
But today, I want to encourage you to use that microphone. You’re on a stage whether you like it or not. You were given a microphone and you are holding it in your hands. Will you use it? Will you hold it up to your mouth and proclaim God’s truth? Your pain is a passport and you’ve been given a jet to take you to a lot of places. Will you go? Will you be vulnerable? Or will you stand on that stage in front of all and shift awkwardly, trying to ignore the spotlight? Will you curl up in a ball and pretend you aren’t on that stage?
It’s tempting.
I know. Because right now, I’m so tempted to do just that. As many of you know I’ve been working on my second book Light After Darkness: A Teen’s Thoughts on Recovering From Long-Term Illness. I’m currently reading it for the first time since writing the rough draft and it’s incredibly hard. More than He’s Making Diamonds, I want to keep this book to myself. It’s way more vulnerable and I’m much less confident. And I get it — rough drafts aren’t supposed to be good. But reading it for the first time, I’ve felt so discouraged.
But lately, God’s been teaching me that I need to use the microphone I’ve been given. Sure, it is hard. But the microphone is literally pain . . . it’s just going to be hard, it’s a package deal. Yet despite all my doubts and all the lies and discouragement, I need to stand confidently in God’s grace and use the microphone God’s given me. I need to be vulnerable and honest even if it hurts. Even when I want to appear like a professional author or a good writer or a wise encourager.
As I told a friend recently, God being glorified in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9) isn’t just a comfort for when we can’t do any better. It’s a truth that we can live out intentionally — it can be a sneak attack, part of the battle plan.
Today, I want to challenge you to use the microphone you’ve been given too. Maybe it feels prideful or weird or uncomfortable to step into the spotlight. Maybe crowds listening or applauding is terrifying. Maybe failing in front of others is mortifying. But maybe the time has come to stop waiting until the moment is perfect. God knew what He was doing when He put you on the stage and handed you a microphone — in His grace, He will help you to use it in a way that glorifies Him — even if it doesn’t make you look good. (And even if it does.)
In his book, Levi continues on to say, “The more you hurt, the louder we become. This is why, though it is tempting, you must not be selfish with your pain. The things God deposits in your spirit in the midst of suffering are the same things that someday other people will desperately need.” The lessons God has taught you are things you cannot keep to yourself. They are not meant only for you! Use your microphone!! I know it’s hard. But let’s get over ourselves and our shyness or our false humility and just belt out God’s truth and mercy from the depths of pain.
I know it’s hard. I know is uncomfortable. I know we feel unqualified. But all of those hesitations are about us. And you know what? Serving God is not about us. So what if we feel unqualified? It doesn’t matter what we feel! Stop trying to avoid the microphone. Boldy lift it up and speak what God has given you.
Stop hiding your scars. In his song, The Wound is Where the Light Gets In, Jason Gray says:
“You can recognize a saint by the scars they don’t disguise
You can pick a real sinner by the kindness in their eyes
So if you’re stumbling in the dark and bleeding at the shin
Remember the wound is where the light, the wound is where the light
The wound is where the light gets in”
Let’s stop disguising our scars. The ugliness and the regrets and the hurt. Because pain is a microphone that has so much power that we can use for God’s glory. It isn’t easy. There will be times when our voices crack and the spotlight beats down on us and the audience responds with boos. But we must use what God has given us. Not everyone is called to write a book or speak to a literal crowd. But those of us suffering have been given a microphone. God can (and will) use your scars to help heal others. Stop hiding them. Yes, guard your heart and the sacred places meant only for you and God. But stop hiding your scars.
Thank you for this. I have been recently blogging about my experience with my chronic illnesses, and this post really helped me. I have been struggling with posting such vulnerable information, but this helped me to see why it’s so important. As a chronically ill Christian teen, Your blog really touches me and I appreciate everything you’re doing. Keep it up! You have no idea the impact you can have on someone’s life!
I’m glad this could be an encouragement to you! It’s hard to find the balance between sharing too much and too little, but illness is something that needs to be talked about! 🙂 I’ve found that praying before I write and before I post something also helps… it leaves it in God’s hands. But sometimes there’s just stuff we can’t post either. *realizes I’m talking in circles* thank you for your encouragement!
Sara, thank you for writing this series of posts. It’s encouraging to me, along with your others. 🙂
I never realized till I heard you saying so that yes, people are watching me, even though I feel isolated and shut in. Which is frightening, yes, but i hope what they’re seeing is God in me, including with joy and faith.
I’m cheering you on as you continue to encourage others with your microphone. You’ve encouraged me so much. I’m so sorry life is so difficult and painful right now, and that your book is too, because of it. But I know God will use your book to help and heal others – and you. I’m so proud of you for writing and reading the draft, and He is too! And remember, you can revise as much as you need. Even though that doesn’t change most of what’s hard about it. 😉
*big hugs* <3
Also, what you said about not hiding your scars reminds me of the song “Scars” by Mandisa. It really encouraged me. And being honest about our scars encourages others, like you said – though it’s hard to be vulnerable and open. But even with individual people, God has allowed me to meet them where they are and help them, because of my suffering, like he’s done for you.
I’m so glad to hear that this series has been encouraging you, Mary! <3 And don't worry -- that's what we see in you: God, joy, and faith. Your example and heart for others is such an encouragement and blessing to me. You are a cheerleader to more people than you know. Speaking of which... thank you for your encouragement about my book! It's hard, but the harder it gets the more I feel certain of the need to publish it.
So true! I'll have to go listen to that song. Recently, the song "Scars" by I Am They has been... encouraging (but mostly challenging) me.
Thanks for publishing this awesome article. I’m a long time reader but I’ve
never been compelled to leave a comment. I subscribed to your blog and shared this on my Twitter.
Thanks again for a great article!
Thanks for reading, commenting, and sharing! 😀
What a fantastic post! This is so chock full of useful information I can’t wait to dig deep and start utilizing the resources you have given me.
Your exuberance is refreshing. Thanks for a great post!